CONCORD — Lawmakers want students to have more physical activity to help prevent obesity and its health-related problems.

Yesterday, the Senate passed HB 1352, which would require school districts to develop policies requiring daily physical activity and exercise for their students. The bill, however, would not require schools to implement programs.

Under the plan, which has already passed the House and is now on its way to Gov. Craig Benson, the Department of Education would develop a model policy school districts could use or modify.

One of the sponsors of the bill, Sen. Joseph Foster, D-Nashua, said it was put forth in response to the growing number of overweight and obese children.

A recent California study indicates students who are physically active are more successful in school, he said during the Senate session.

Dean Michener, associate director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, said his organization has been supportive, as long as it is a recommendation and not a requirement.

He said school boards recognize the relationship between physical activity and good health, but noted there are a lot of curriculum requirements that have to be met.

Sen. Robert Boyce, R-Alton, said he believes the bill would require school districts to spend money the state is not providing, which would violate the constitutional provision prohibiting the state from mandating local programs without funding them.

But another bill sponsor, Sen. Jane O’Hearn, R-Nashua, said she had the Senate legal counsel look into the issue and he determined the bill would not require school districts to enact anything.

Former school teacher and coach Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, said, “A healthy body and a healthy mind are both needed. What is problematic is that schools are eliminating (physical education classes). It’s been taken out of the schedule, and it’s a critical part of the process.”

Michener said, “We just finished some very difficult school district meetings and tough budgets,” noting many budgets were voted down and some districts will be operating under default budgets.

“Will there be cuts? Yes, but gym classes are not being targeted, (although) they are on the plate,” he said.

Sen. Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord, said before yesterday’s vote that she would support the bill, but called it “feel-good legislation.” The state continues to underfund state aid to local school districts, which is why physical education, art and music classes are being cut, she said.